The Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision granting Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on 47 charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT), corruption and money laundering involving tens of millions of ringgit of funds belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi is truly disappointing and worrying.
The court’s earlier decision that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the Deputy Prime Minister seemed to have no value and that he had lost the opportunity to prove his innocence through evidence and testimony in his defence to restore the people's confidence in him.
The decision which was made based on the provisions of Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution and not through trial after a prima facie case was established had raised concerns about the commitment often uttered by the government in fighting corruption and upholding justice.
Without any reasonable explanation by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) regarding the application of the DNAA, it raised the perception that executive and/or political interference allowed anyone to escape from being tried and judged fairly by the court.
What was even worse was that people were raising concerns towards the fairness of the democratic system in Malaysia as it did not help in restoring the reputation and image of the country.
Therefore, this is a critical time for the separation of powers between the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutor to be implemented, ensuring judicial independence and place the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under the Parliament as demanded by the #RasuahBusters and its coalition partners before this.
#RasuahBusters emphasised that the civilisation the Madani government sought to build has emphasised on moral compass and ethics as the core of the nation.
In this context, upholding the rule of law should be made without prejudice, in line with the ethics demanded by the people from the current government leadership.
#RasuahBusters also urged the government to be serious in ensuring institutional reforms and focus on rebuilding the country's economy without manipulation of political power.
The long-term advocacy of #RasuahBusters will continue, where the people will not tolerate injustice and will continue to fight to break the chain of systemic corruption and ensure the freedom of institutions in this country for the well-being and dignity of Malaysia.
#RasuahBusters demands that the government keeps its promises, ensures that justice must be implemented and seen to be done.
To remain relevant, do not betray the mandate. The punishment from the people will be much heavier.